I got back from my scouting trip today. Vegas was INCREDIBLE! Overall I was really happy with the wedding plans and vendors I have picked but also so glad I took the pre-wedding trip. As promised here is some info/reviews from my trip.
Airlines/Jet Lag
I flew into LA with Fiji and LAX to Vegas with Southwest. I really liked Southwest but next time Im definitely getting a direct flight from Brisbane to LAX. Aussie/Kiwi brides beware! The 17 hour time difference and jet lag is insane! Maybe it’s because I was too excited to sleep on the plane and over indulged on my first night in Vegas but it took 2 solid days for me to get over it.
Presidential Limousines
They were excellent. Emailed me a confirmation with my driver’s name and phone number. They were on time for my airport pick up with a sign saying “Happy Birthday Mo”. Really made my day. My driver Zoltan was lovely, and the vehicle was as pictured on the website. I have presidential booked for all of our wedding transportation and Im really confident in them.
Vdara Hotel
Mum and I really enjoyed our stay here. We were in a deluxe suite on the 51st floor overlooking the south strip. The room was HUGE, very modern and the beds were comfortable. The hotel is non smoking and all rooms come with a kitchenette. Getting to the strip was easy through the Aria or the covered walkway to the Bellagio. I would stay there again but we will be staying at Elara/Wynn for the wedding trip.
Flamingo Garden Chapel
Very happy with my choice on ceremony venue. I got to meet my wedding coordinator Jazmin who is absolutely lovely. I changed from the Gazebo to the indoor chapel and this wasn’t a problem at all. I especially love that you can access all of their wedding areas without having to go through the casino by using the East Valet.
Carlos n Charlies
I briefly met with the events manager there for our cocktail hour. She gave me heaps of information that I can share if you want to PM me. I like that they don’t have a set minimum and are happy for us to buy share platters and pay for drinks by consumption. I’m happy with the patio location as it is right there in the gardens at the Flamingo.
Maggianos
What can I say about this venue that hasn’t already been said – its great! I love that you don’t have to go through the restaurant to access the banquet areas. There is just WAY TOO MUCH FOOD in the packages. Im actually going to see if we can take some food out of our package cos I hate wastage. 2 apps, 2 salads, 2 pastas 2 entrees and a dessert buffet is insane! Mum and I struggled through my tasting. Although my favourites were definitely the Caesar salad, four cheese ravioli and beef medallions. The desserts are amazing too. Very happy with my choice at Maggianos.
Sin City Make Up Artist Leila & Hairdresser Marissa
The ladies turned up on time, with EVERYTHING (even a chair) and just got to it. Marissa nailed my hair inspiration and Leila is an incredibly talented make up artist. I was totally anxious about my wedding hair and make up especially having a deeper skin tone and weft extensions in my hair. For the wedding I want to go a bit lighter with the eye make up and I will be finding a lip colour that I like. Aside from that this will be “Bride Mo”.
Im having a photo upload fail so here is the link to the pics on their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/SinCityBeauty#!/photo.php?fbid=10151600980072136&set=pb.211068637135.-2207520000.1379387614.&type=3&theater
Julie Bergonz (Sin City Shooter)
After Leila and Marissa worked their magic on my hair and makeup Julie came to do my boudoir shoot in suite. She showed me how to pose in ways that would flatter me and really helped me relax and have fun with it. In our 1 hour session she took 176 shots of 4 different looks. She then brought the picture CD including some retouched/edited pics to me the next day so that I could leave Vegas with my shots. My B pics are AMAZING!! I never thought I could look so sexy! I was really hesitant to do B pics but I’m so glad I did. I’m putting together a photo book for FI as a wedding gift and I’m having trouble trying to choose which pictures NOT to include. Julie’s rates are $150 an hour and that includes the full session cd with 10 retouched/edited pics. She was so easy to communicate with and she is incredibly talented. I’ve also booked Julie for our day after wedding photo shoot at the Arts District and Red Rock.
Vendor Meetings
On top of the venues/vendors above I also met with Pam from the Palette, Todd from Bently & Wilson, Kelly & Debbie Langdon (Videographers) , Sari from Culinary Pros and DJ Tony from Pure Energy. They were all so passionate about what they do and so helpful with any questions/concerns I had. I’m 100% confident that I have picked a winning team of vendors for my wedding and I just can’t wait to see them all work their magic for/on my big day.
Can't wait to say 'I do' on April 14, 2014 - Planning Bio
